Arrowsmith School is dedicated to helping students with learning difficulties, through customized programs of cognitive exercises designed to the individual’s unique needs. Based on the application of neuroscientific research, we work to help students strengthen their weak cognitive capacities. Our goal is to change the capacity to learn, rather than work around the difficulties. We operate a traditional full-day program and a variety of Part-time, After School, At-Home Programs and assessments.

Builds and strengthens cognitive processes necessary for more efficient learning

Trains visual and auditory memory, attention and concentration

Improves the fine motor skills necessary for writing

Strengthens executive functions

Builds capacity for both verbal and non-verbal thinking, reasoning and problem solving

Our Take: Arrowsmith School

The Arrowsmith School was founded in 1980 by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young to provide support for struggling learners. The school has been an object of interest ever since, due to the concept that Arrowsmith-Young built her program around. "If we look at a lot of special education programs, the majority assume the learner is fixed," she said. "What my program is saying is that we can change the learner so they can learn." While there are many things that set the school apart, that sense of what is possible is prime among them. The Arrowsmith School works closely with students to develop their strengths, address weaknesses, and build academic, social, and vocational competence. That the method works may be evidence of neuroplasticity, and science may yet underscore that. In the meantime, daring to dream —as well as creating a supportive, caring, understanding environment —can itself provide what many students need in order to succeed, and that's what the Arrowsmith school principally addresses.

Builds and strengthens cognitive processes necessary for more efficient learning

Trains visual and auditory memory, attention and concentration

Improves the fine motor skills necessary for writing

Strengthens executive functions

Builds capacity for both verbal and non-verbal thinking, reasoning and problem solving

Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a uni?ed curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

What Arrowsmith School says: Arrowsmith School is a privately owned co-educational and non-denominational day school that is dedicated to helping students with specific learning difficulties. Students who come to Arrowsmith School have been struggling in school - some are just starting their schooling but their experience has already shown a pattern of learning problems. Others have been finding school a challenge for years.
Each new student is assessed at Arrowsmith School so that we may identify his or her individual learning profile and then design a program of cognitive exercises for that student. Our program has been of benefit for students having difficulty with reading, writing and mathematics, comprehension, logical reasoning, problem solving, visual and auditory memory, non-verbal learning, attention, processing speed and dyslexia. Our goal is for our students to become effective, confident and self-directed learners for life and to enable them to achieve their goals of academic and career success.

What Arrowsmith School says: Blended learning amidst cognitive transformations, amplify the Math Education at Arrowsmith School. Cognitive strengthening combined with online mathematical connections and classroom correlations, deliver a hybrid educational experience. Within this model, students learn how to regulate their learning more easily and become amply aware of their daily performance with verbal and numerical feedback. The small classroom size provides occasions to collaborate with peers, while their virtual learning gives opportunities for autonomy. Students increase their motivational levels and take more ownership of their own learning, as the processes foster critical thinking skills, self-reflection and confidence.

Textbooks and supplementary materials: JUMP Math
Mathletics

Calculator policy: Calculators are vital in our technological enhanced society. Students are encouraged to formulate a numerical estimation proceeding the use of their calculator, to ensure reasonable and accurate results.

What Arrowsmith School says: Most students at Arrowsmith School receive one period of English each day. There are typically between four to ten students in a class, and classes are either 35 or 40 minutes in length depending on the period when they occur. Students are grouped according to their abilities so that there are usually students from multiple grade levels in any one class.\n\nThe focus of each class will depend on the needs of the students in it. Typically, students reading well below their grade level are placed in a class where the focus tends to be on decoding. In other classes, students read and discuss novels, short stories and non-fiction articles. They also often engage in independent reading comprehension exercises. Additionally, students work on developing their writing skills, learning basic paragraph structure and how to apply it to the composition of short essays. Students also work on revision and editing skills.\n

The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.

What Arrowsmith School says: Most students at Arrowsmith School will receive one period of English each day. There are typically between four to ten students in a class, and classes are either 35 or 40 minutes in length depending on the period when they occur. Students are grouped according to their abilities so that there are usually students from multiple grade levels in any one class.\n

In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.

What Arrowsmith School says: The focus of each class will depend on the needs of the students in it. Typically, students reading well below their grade level are placed in a class where the focus tends to be on decoding. In other classes, students read and discuss novels, short stories and non-fiction articles. They also often engage in independent reading comprehension exercises. Additionally, students work on developing their writing skills, learning basic paragraph structure and how to apply it to the composition of short essays. Students also work on revision and editing skills.

What Arrowsmith School says: Each Division receives 50 minutes of Gym every Wednesday. When the weather is nice we utilize the Parks near the school and during periods of inclement weather, we book space across the road at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church. Gym is an opportunity for students to have a period of sustained physical activity and to, most importantly, have a lot of fun.

Arrowsmith School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

Arrowsmith School 's approach to sex-ed: This information is not currently available.

This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

Curriculum Pace approach at Arrowsmith School : Student-paced

Arrowsmith School has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).

[Show: About Student-paced?]

The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.

What Arrowsmith School says: Every student has a specific schedule of exercises to be completed during the course of a day. The exercises for each student differ depending upon that student’s unique learning profile, and include written, visual, auditory and computer exercises. Programs are modified on a yearly basis, depending upon year-end assessments.

Flexible pacing style

Flexible pacing style

offered

Subject-streaming (tracking)

Multi-age classrooms as standard

Ability-grouping (in-class) as common

Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)

Regular guided independent study opportunities

Differentiated assessment

What Arrowsmith School says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

Academic Culture approach at Arrowsmith School : Supportive

Arrowsmith School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).

[Show: About Supportive?]

A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

&nbsp Supportive - 53% &nbsp Rigorous - 47%

What Arrowsmith School says: At Arrowsmith School, school-age students attend Math and English classes daily in addition to completing their cognitive exercises. Students are grouped based on ability rather than age-appropriate grade and receive the supports necessary in order to meet with success in an academic setting.

Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

Secondary Developmental Priority: Social

The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."

What Arrowsmith School says: The goal of Arrowsmith School is to help students capitalize on their improvements and eventually reintegrate into a full academic program at a public or private school at their appropriate grade level following completion of a two-to-four year program of Arrowsmith cognitive exercises. Our goal is for our students to become effective, confident and self-directed learners for life and to enable them to achieve their goals of academic and career success.

Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

Arrowsmith School offers Special needs school

Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.

What Arrowsmith School says about their special need support: Students in the Arrowsmith Program are typically of average or above intelligence but are experiencing problems in school which may include difficulties with reading, writing, mathematics, remembering, understanding, or attentional issues. Each student is unique in his or her combination of problem areas and our exercise program is individually designed for each student. At Arrowsmith School, we utilize the Arrowsmith Program that is based on the philosophy that it is possible to treat specific learning difficulties by identifying and strengthening cognitive capacities.

Academic Support:

Subject Ttype

offered

Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation

Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

Subject Ttype

offered

Accommodations

Modifications

Extra support

Summary: At Arrowsmith School we offer a program of intensive and graduated cognitive exercises that are designed to strengthen the underlying weak cognitive capacities that are hypothesized to underlie a range of specific learning difficulties. Each student's program is based on a careful assessment to identify the specific learning difficulties. Our Framework for Results includes a detailed assessment and identification of 19 learning dysfunctions; innovative methods which include specialized exercises and computerized programs; clearly defined and individualized goals; a positive, supportive and structured learning environment; building self-esteem by developing competence; and low student to teacher ratio.

This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.

Dyscalculia

This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.

Dysgraphia

This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

Language Processing Disorder

This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.

Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)

These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.

Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit

A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.

Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).

Asperger's Syndrome

On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.

Down syndrome

his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

Intellectual disability

This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).

roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

Clinical Depression

This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.

Clinical anxiety

This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.

Suicidal thoughts

This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

Drug and alcohol abuse

This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.

This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.

Cerebral palsy

his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.

Muscular dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

Spina Bifida

This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.

Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.

Blindness

Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."

Deafness

Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

In grade Gr. 12, Arrowsmith School students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.

Nightly Homework

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Arrowsmith School

60 mins

60 mins

60 mins

60 mins

60 mins

90 mins

90 mins

90 mins

90 mins

90 mins

90 mins

90 mins

Site Average

16 mins

17 mins

24 mins

29 mins

34 mins

40 mins

52 mins

57 mins

68 mins

79 mins

95 mins

108 mins

What Arrowsmith School says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.

This can depend on a number of factors, including the type of school, living arrangements, what’s included in tuition, school location, resources, and facilities. Many private schools in Canada have tuition that ranges between $6,000 and $12,000 a year. While some schools, such as schools which provide room and board, can be more expensive, many of these schools provide ways to defray the costs of tuition. For instance, they may offer merit-based scholarships or needs-based financial aid (often referred to as “bursaries” or “subsidies”).

DayDay (Half day)

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Day

$23,500

Day (Half day)

$4,000

What Arrowsmith School says about their tuition: This information is not currently available.

Need-based financial aid

This information is not currently available.

Merit based Scholarships

Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some larger schools have enrollment numbers in the thousands, while some smaller schools have only a few dozen students. Boarding schools tend to be on the larger side, while alternative schools, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, are normally smaller. Besides the overall size of school, there are other important facts you’ll want to know about a school’s enrollment. For instance, here you can learn about a school’s enrollment for separate streams (if they have them), such as day and boarding, its average class size, and its average enrollment per grade.

Private schools in Canada have admissions policies. All schools have some required application materials, though these vary between schools. These may include letters of application, application fees, essays, and exams (such as the SSAT). Many schools also require interviews with prospective students, either with their parents, on their own, or both. Schools also have different standards and priorities when evaluating student applications, different acceptance rates (which may vary between grade levels), and target different kinds of students. To improve your child’s chances of acceptance, you should find out everything you can about a school’s admissions policies and how they assess applicants.

Application

Admissions Assessments:

Assessment

Required

Grades

Interview

SSAT

SSAT (out of province)

Entrance Exam(s)

Entrance Essay

Application Fee

Application Deadlines:

Day students: Rolling

What Arrowsmith School says:

The decision as to whether a student who is experiencing difficulty at school may be suitable for Arrowsmith School can usually be made based on discussion by telephone with parents and often with the students themselves.

Where necessary, we can also review school report cards and results of academic and psychological testing. Our experience has shown that most parents can identify with great accuracy the problems that their child is having at school.

Each student enrolling at Arrowsmith is assessed to determine the student’s learning profile and to plan the student’s program. Information about the assessment procedure is in the Assessment section of our web site.

Where graduates of a school do their post-secondary studies can be an important factor in choosing a private school. Do you want your child to go to a Canadian university, an Ivy league school in the US, or some other institute? Regardless of your inclinations, take a look at a school’s university placement record, and the services they offer to support university applications and decisions.

Services

Offered

Career planning

Internships

Mentorship Program

University counseling

Key Numbers

Average graduating class size

N/A

*Canadian "Big 6" placements

N/A

**Ivy+ placements

N/A

*Number of students in 2015 who attended one of McGill, U of T, UBC, Queen's University, University of Alberta, or Dalhousie University.

**Number of students since 2005 that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK)

Wednesday Evening Open House Presentations for Parents and Families at Arrowsmith School in Toronto We invite families who have a child with learning difficulties and others who are interested in learning about our program to attend one of our Wednesday evening Open House Presentations that are held throughout the year. All of our Open Houses begin at 7:00 p.m. with a presentation describing our program following which visitors will have an opportunity to ask questions, tour the school and meet some our teachers and observe demonstrations of some of our exercises. It is not necessary to call ahead, please just drop in. We also welcome visitors who may be considering enrolling their child in the Arrowsmith Program in the Toronto District Catholic District Board or in one of the independent schools that offer the Arrowsmith Program. Please call our Admissions Coordinator, Janet Scott, at 416 963-4962 ext. 224 if you have any questions about our admissions process or if you would like to speak further with someone at Arrowsmith School about your child's learning needs.

Arrowsmith Program refers both to the Arrowsmith Program methodology and also to our affiliated organization that make the Arrowsmith Program available to public and private schools in Canada and the United States. As well as providing the Arrowsmith Program of cognitive exercises, Arrowsmith Program provides a comprehensive teacher training course, continuing professional development, year-round support for all Arrowsmith Program classroom teachers, a detailed web-based assessment for all students and ongoing monitoring and supervision of student progress over the internet and liaison with Arrowsmith Program Coordinators during the school year.

Arrowsmith School and Arrowsmith School Peterborough are privately owned co-educational and non-denominational day schools that are dedicated to helping students with learning disabilities. Arrowsmith School in Toronto was established in 1980 and Arrowsmith School Peterborough opened in 2005. The Arrowsmith Program is founded on neuroscientific research and 30 years of experience demonstrating that it is possible for students to strengthen the weak cognitive capacities underlying their learning dysfunctions through a program of specific cognitive exercises. The Arrowsmith Program identifies, intervenes and strengthens the weak cognitive capacities that affect learning. Students are able to capitalize on their increased learning capacities and after a three or four year program can function without special education assistance or program accommodations.

The Arrowsmith Program of cognitive exercises was developed by Barbara Arrowsmith Young and first offered to students with learning disabilities in 1978. Arrowsmith School was founded in 1980 and has operated continuously in Toronto since then. Arrowsmith School has over 35 years of experience demonstrating that we believe it is possible for students to strengthen the weak cognitive capacities underlying their learning dysfunctions through a program of specific cognitive exercises.

The genesis of the Arrowsmith methodology lies in Barbara Arrowsmith Young’s journey of discovery and innovation to overcome her own severe learning disabilities, a detailed description of which appears in her book, “The Woman Who Changed Her Brain.”

At Arrowsmith School we are guided by these values:

Compassion – a deep commitment to all people as we believe this work alleviates human suffering.

Transformation – we believe that students realize their potential and change their lives opening up a world of different possibilities.

Passion and Belief in the Arrowsmith Program

Integrity – we are committed to the fundamental design and core principles of the Arrowsmith Program

Continuous Improvement – dedication to be a learning organization which continuously improves through grassroots implementation, technology, and research.

At Arrowsmith School our mission is to help people with learning difficulties, and their families, to lead happier and productive lives through understanding and the practical application of cognitive enhancement.